Clippers vs. Heat: Injuries Plague Potential NBA Finals Preview

In a battle between two of the NBA's elite teams, the 35-16 Los Angeles Clippers will travel to play the 32-14 Miami Heat. Both squads have proved to be top teams in their conference and could potentially make a run through the postseason.

Unfortunately, injuries will plague a potential NBA Finals preview.

For the Clippers, injuries have been an issue since the beginning of the season. As a result, their unparalleled depth has been depleted and their second unit significantly weakened.

So who wouldn't want to see this storyline play out come the NBA Finals?

L.A. is a team that has done things "the right way," if there is such a thing. They've gone by the book and utilized their cap space to bring in multiple players, thus relying on the draft to breed success.

Gordon, Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan have all played significant roles in shaping their current rotation.

With that being said, it isn't just a storyline that has this matchup on the brink of legitimacy. It's the fact that these are two of the best teams in the NBA.

Unfortunately, L.A. hasn't been healthy enough to show it.

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Balance and Dominance

Thus far in 2012-13, the Los Angeles Clippers are averaging 99.9 points scored and 93.4 points allowed per game. Their point differential of positive-6.5 is third in the NBA.

As for the Miami Heat, they're averaging 102.5 points for and 96.7 points against per game. Their point differential of positive-5.8 ranks fourth.

That's right behind the Clippers.

Furthermore, Miami is 20-3 at home, while the Clippers are 20-5 in Los Angeles. This establishes the potential for dominance should either team achieve home-court advantage.

Assuming L.A. remains third in the Western Conference, it happens to be 15-11 on the road and 24-9 against the West.

What this displays is the fact that both of these teams fit the billing of "elite." The question is, can the Clippers remain healthy enough to make this dream finals come to fruition?

While we won't have that answer for months, injuries will plague a potential NBA Finals preview on Feb. 8.